(Continued) The future of Peace Operations - Security Council, 9991st meeting

The 9991st meeting of the Security Council is resumed. I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than three minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. The flashing light on the microphone will prompt speakers to bring their remarks to a close after three minutes. I now give the floor to the representative of Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. President. And on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I would like to thank the Republic of Korea, Denmark, and Pakistan for convening this debate, and the briefers for their valuable insights. We align ourselves with the EU statement and would like to highlight only three points. First, protection of civilians must remain at the heart of UN peace operations. In too many settings, civilians, especially women and girls, are not only caught in the crossfire, but deliberately targeted, including through sexual and gender-based violence. Effective protection requires a people-centered approach, grounded in meaningful engagement with communities and civil society. The Netherlands supports such approaches through various programmes, and we reiterate the centrality of protection mandates in operational planning and leadership. Second, peace operations must be anchored in an integrated human rights-based approach across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s new Agenda for Peace, prevention and peacebuilding demand political and financial investments from the Member States. The Netherlands remains a committed donor to the Peacebuilding Fund and an active member of the Peacebuilding Commission, contributing to coherent efforts to sustain peace. Third, the security landscape is rapidly evolving. Hybrid threats, emerging technologies, and disinformation are reshaping conflict dynamics. Peace operations must be fit for purpose, adaptable, agile, and well-equipped. This requires follow-up on pledges made at the Peacekeeping Ministerial and both thinking in the current review of peace operations. The Netherlands supports innovation of mission effectiveness, including through the Comprehensive Performance Assessment System, CPAS, and the Light Coordination Mechanism, LCM. We also advocate for decentralized command structures and strategic leadership to enable faster decision-making and better risk management in volatile environments. In closing, we reaffirm our strong commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Peace operations are more effective when women are deployed and fully, equally, and meaningfully engaged across all levels. You can count on the Kingdom of the Netherlands as a committed and forward-looking partner in advancing the future of UN peace operations. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Slovakia.

Thank you, Mr. President, for the floor, and thank you for convening this very important debate. Peacekeeping remains the most visible tool of the United Nations in conflict management, and it must be kept under constant review. We also value the Council's regular dialogue with troop and police contributing countries. Mr. President, Slovakia has been a consistent contributor to UN peacekeeping since joining the organization. Today, our largest contingent serves in AMFISIP, and Slovak experts contribute to UNSO in the Middle East. Let me reaffirm Slovakia's strong commitment to supporting UN peacekeeping now and in the future. We believe several measures are essential to make peacekeeping more effective and relevant, and I will try to summarize them in five points. Political foundation first. Each mission needs a clear political plan developed with the host state, the UN country team, and the peacebuilding commission to align mandates with realities and resources. Second, clarity and adaptability. Mission must set clear objectives and milestones. Their structures should be flexible, recognizing that peace operations are interim, not permanent. Third, accountability, evidence-based reporting and independent feedback from affected communities are vital to credibility and effectiveness. Fourth, field support and safety. Peace operations must enjoy steady political and material backing to sustain performance and to protect personnel. And finally, Partnership, cooperation with regional organizations, particularly the African Union, is indispensable. Mr. President, adopting peacekeeping along these several lines I mentioned is crucial. This is why Slovakia strongly supports the Pact for the Future, call for a comprehensive review of UN peace operations, and why we welcome the UN80 initiative as timely and necessary. Let me conclude, Mr. President, by saying that the United Nations must remain central to addressing to international peace and security. We need peace operations that are effective, responsive, adaptable, and properly resourced. The Security Council and the General Assembly must work hand in hand. in the coming months to achieve these shared goals. Thank you very much, Mr. President, for the floor.

I thank the representative of Slovakia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Cambodia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, distinguished members of the Councils, Excellencies, and distinguished delegates, Cambodia welcomes this timely debate on the future of the United Nations peace operations and commends the leadership of the Republic of Korea, Denmark, and Pakistan in advancing these important reviews. We thank the briefer for their valuable insight. For over eight decades, UN peace operations have been one of the most visible symbols of multilateralism. helping to prevent conflicts, protect civilians, and support political solutions. As a country that has journeyed from conflict to lasting peace, Cambodia deeply valued their transformative impact. Since 2006, Cambodia has deployed over 10,000 peacekeepers, including 988 women to UN missions in 10 different countries. As of August 2025, Cambodia ranked 25th working worldwide and third in ASEAN among troop contributing countries. Our peacekeepers served with professionalism and dedication, drawing on Cambodia's own hard-won experience of reconciliation and peacebuilding. Mr. President, looking ahead, peace operations must evolve to remain fit for purpose. Cambodia sees three key priorities. First, adaptability and innovation. Missions must be more agile, with modular deployment and expertise to address climate insecurities, cyber threats, disinformation, and urban violence. Technology from early warning systems to data analytics can greatly strengthen civilian protections. Second, political tools for peace. Mission must be anchored in robust political strategies. Cambodia supports the early use of mediations, preventive diplomacy, and Secretary-General's good office in close coordination with regional bodies and host governments. Third, integrations and national ownerships. Peacekeeping must be linked with UN developments, humanitarians, and human right efforts to address root causes. Sustainable peace requires national ownership, sovereignty, and host country leadership. In this connection, Cambodia reaffirms its support for the Action for Peacekeeping, A4P+, as an operational blueprint for reform and accountability. Their priorities remain essential, and we encourage deeper institutionalization of A4P+ with great involvement of troop-contributing countries. Mr. President, in closing, as we mark one year since the adoption of the Pact for the Future and the UN’s 80th anniversary, Cambodia stands ready to contribute constructively to the review process and to the collective effort of ensuring that UN peace operations remain fit for purpose, responsive, resilient, and firmly rooted in the values of the UN Charter. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Cambodia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh.

Mr. President, I thank you and the Presidency of the Republic of Korea for convening this timely open debate. in collaboration with Pakistan and Denmark. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the PBC Chair. As the former Chair and current member of the PBC, we will continue to engage with the Council in navigating the evolving challenges of peacekeeping. Mr. President, given the increased number of conflicts in different parts of the world, The indispensability of UN peace operations in maintaining international peace and security cannot be overstated. To cope with the challenges, we need to adjust the peace instruments, and that needs to be done by consensus. Mr. President, Bangladesh supports UN reform initiatives by the Security Council, including A4P and Action for Peacekeeping Plus, that is, A4P+. As an urgent promoter of women, peace and security agenda, we continue to meet the UN form gender parity strategy or target deploying women in leadership roles. Currently, 444 Bangladeshi female peacekeepers serve across UN missions. As co-chair of the Group of Friends. To promote accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, we emphasize holding the perpetrators accountable even after the drawdown of the missions. In addition, I would like to highlight three key points for future peace operations. First, the Council must ensure mandates are well calibrated and responsive to ground realities. DPCC's perspectives must be reflected in mandate formulation and revision. Host country authorities and stakeholders should be meaningfully consulted. Second, the Council must address the widening gap between mission requirements and available resources. and resolve this issue to ensure the sustainability of the peacekeeping operations on an urgent basis. Finally, the responsible use of digital tools, ranging from UAS for situational awareness to telemedicine, can enhance decision-making and save lives. Missions also need strategies to counter hostile uses of technology, including disinformation and UAS threats. In conclusion, Bangladesh remains committed to shaping the future of peace operations, guided by principles, driven by partnerships, and anchored in the pursuit of global peace and justice. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Bangladesh for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Mr. President, I wish to first and foremost congratulate you and the delegation of the Republic of Korea upon your presidency of the Security Council during the month of September. I also wish to congratulate the delegation of Panama for the effectiveness with which it steered the work of the Council over the past month, August. I also wish to thank USG Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Madam Rosemary DiCarlo, USG for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding, as well as Ambassador Rikleif Johannes Böttin, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany and Chair of the PBC, as well as Madam Jenna Russo, Director of Research and President of the Brian O'Cartney Center for Peace Operations. I thank them for their valuable briefings. I wish to take this opportunity to applaud all of those who have served in peace operations and to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives as they carried out their duties. Mr. President, The Kingdom of Bahrain condemns Israeli attack targeting the fraternal and state of Qatar. This is a violation of the national sovereignty of Qatar and the principles of international law. We stand in full solidarity with the measures that will be undertaken by the fraternal state of Qatar to protect its security, its sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens as well as its residents. We call for calm and for an end to escalation to preserve regional peace and security. Mr. President, peacekeeping operations have always aligned at the heart of efforts to advance international peace and security. These are of key importance, particularly amid increasingly growing tensions and the proliferation of conflict, armed conflict throughout the world, in all parts of the world. This requires that international community pools its efforts and to enhance the capacity of peace operations to adapt, to react rapidly, and to demonstrate flexibility and to be agile and to implement the mandates, and to help people surmount the ills caused by conflict, and to ensure that there is a safer, more fair, and more sustainable world. The Kingdom of Bahrain has always sought to support the efforts that PKOs have been undertaking for nearly eight decades, as has been attested to in our commitment to pay our assessments on time and in full for PKOs over recent years. We applaud the efforts undertaken by His Excellency the Secretary General through the UN80 initiative to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Organization and its various bodies, including PKOs. Mr. President, the Kingdom of Bahrain calls for greater flexibility in the work of PKOs and for this to be carried out through the use of modern technologies, including AI, in order to build the capability of these operations, their ability to adapt to varied circumstances, and to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency in light of future challenges. Given the present-day circumstances, the Kingdom of Bahrain stresses the vital role of PKOs in the sustaining of peace and international security, hence the importance of clarity and flexibility vis-à-vis the objectives and the mandates of these operations. The timeline for implementation needs to be transparent, and there's a need to be able to adjust this, to conduct periodic reviews to ensure that there be more flexibility to address emerging challenges for there to be optimal use of the financial and human resources which are available. Mr. President, we cannot overlook the catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip. And this situation and the consequences of this situation, and the Security Council has a responsibility to must shoulders responsibility for immediate, sustainable ceasefire for the release of hostages and detained persons. I reiterate our call for the respect of the decisions of the Bahrain Summit and the Extraordinary Summit on Palestine, where vis-à-vis the deployment of the international UN protection and peacekeeping force in the Palestinian-occupied territory up until the implementation of the two-state solution, in order to contribute to the protection of civilians and to ensure a safe, unfettered, and sustainable delivery of humanitarian assistance in accordance with international resolutions and the rules of international humanitarian law. There is a need to adopt all measures to protect UN personnel as they carry out their humanitarian duties in the Gaza Strip. In this context, we call for the adoption of a more effective strategy to ensure a safe environment for PKOs and for the safety and security of their personnel. We must ensure that personnel are not exposed to obstacles in the implementation of their mandates, which are focused on the promotion of international peace and security. To conclude, the Kingdom of Bahrain will continue to support all joint efforts to support PKOs for the advancement of security, of stability, and peace at the regional and international levels. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Bahrain for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Canada.

Mr. President, Canada thanks the Republic of Korea for convening this important debate and our briefers for their valuable interventions. We welcome the ongoing UN review of all forms of peace operations and seek to ensure that UN peace operations are fit for purpose and adequately resourced to fulfil their mandates. We suggest that the 2015 HIPPO report serve as a baseline for the current review, which must be aligned with broader system-wide reform initiatives, including the Secretary-General's UN80 initiative. Canada's experience in UN peacekeeping, both directly and through partnerships such as the LC Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, has reinforced our view that peacekeeping remains an indispensable tool for multilateral conflict management. I would like to take this opportunity to flag Canada’s deep concern about the security situation in Haiti. We encourage the Security Council to establish a UN support office to aid efforts towards stabilization and call on Member States to further support these efforts. Peacekeeping’s potential impact can be significantly enhanced through key, achievable reforms. I will highlight three Canadian priorities: political strategies, mandates, and resources. First, political strategies must be at the centre of peace operations and should receive clear and timely direction, as well as political support from the Security Council, to enable effective strategic and operational planning. We recognize the increasing role of the General Assembly in issuing recommendations on conflicts where the Security Council cannot or will not act to effectively manage them. Second, Canada believes the UN review should provide updated guidance for member states, the Secretariat, and this Council on mandate development and renewal. The result should be more focused, phased, and adaptive mandates that draw from the full spectrum of the UN's operational tools, from prevention to stabilization, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding, which can be revised as situations evolve. Third, Canada will continue to advocate for the adequate resourcing of peacekeeping operations, as well as the efficient, effective, and accountable use of these resources. The ABQ and Fifth Committees should show flexibility in adjusting the resources required for operational success. In the context of the UN’s current liquidity crisis, with mission budgets unfortunately subject to late, partial, and non-payments, we urge all Member States to take concrete measures to support the UN and to fulfil their financial obligations to the Organization.

I would like to conclude by underscoring two cross-cutting issues. First of all, we reiterate the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda as a cornerstone of efforts that the UN makes to promote lasting peace. Its practical implementation is critical at the operational level. Canada also underscores the importance of implementing inclusive global protection strategies that includes the protection of children, combating sexual violence linked to conflicts, and upholding human rights. These efforts can be undertaken by various stakeholders in the context of peacekeeping operations. The protection of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda is critical and part and parcel of Canada's commitment during the Berlin Ministerial Conference. We are pleased to work with the Secretariat and other Member States in order to bolster peacekeeping throughout the UN system. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Canada for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Ukraine.

Mr. President, I thank the Republic of Korea for organizing this important debate, as well as the briefers for their insightful remarks. Ukraine aligns itself with the view that UN peace operations remain a central multilateral instrument for sustaining peace and security, protecting civilians, preventing the escalation of conflicts, and ensuring that essential assistance reaches the most vulnerable. Yet, they must continue to evolve in order to remain fit for the purpose and principles of the United Nations. In this regard, allow me to highlight the following points. First, protection and core mandates. Efficiency reforms must not come at the expense of essential mission tasks. Mandates must be realistic, guided by strategic vision, and supported with sustainable financing. Peace operations must remain sufficient uniformity and civilian capacities, including the ability to protect civilians from violence and to monitor and report on human rights violations. These functions are not optional. They are central to the credibility and legitimacy of every mission. Second, agility through modern capabilities. Peace operations must be better equipped to respond to cross-border and hybrid challenges. This requires mobility and rapid redeployment capacity, better use of technology, including situational awareness tools, secure communications, and data analysis. Stronger capacity to counter disinformation that undermines mission credibility. Third, sustainability and accountability. Liquidity crisis must not jeopardize mandates of the safety of peacekeepers. Predictable and timely reimbursement to troop and police contributing countries is essential. At the same time, missions should implement transparent performance benchmarks and robust lessons learned systems to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. Mr. President, let me also underline a matter of principle. The credibility of UN peace operations is seriously undermined when states accused of aggression or grave violations of international law are allowed to participate in or exert influence over these missions. This concern is especially pressing in the case of countries whose armed forces have been repeatedly listed in the Secretary General's report on children and armed conflict for killing children and for carrying out attacks on schools and hospitals. Therefore, Russia must be barred from contributing troops or police to UN peacekeeping operations until its forces are delisted in line with the measures set out in the Secretary General's report S/2015/682. Peacekeeping must remain the domain of states genuinely committed to the principles of the UN Charter and to the maintenance of international peace and security, not those repeatedly identified as violators of these principles. Finally, Ukraine strongly supports the UN80 initiative and the implementation of A4P+. These frameworks should focus on concrete outcomes: safer peacekeepers, missions able to de-escalate crises early, and stronger partnerships with regional actors. Mr. President, Ukraine will continue to contribute personnel and expertise to UN peace operations. Our own experience with modern conflict, including cyber and information dimensions, can help shape peacekeeping that is more adaptive and resilient. We stand ready to work with Member States and the Secretariat to ensure that UN peace operations remain credible, effective, and responsive to today’s realities. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Ukraine for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Albania.

Mr. President, Albania welcomes this open debate on the future of United Nations peace operations and would like to thank the Presidency of the Republic of Korea for organizing it. Albania believes that peace operations remain one of the most tangible symbols of the UN's commitment to peace and security, but they cannot succeed alone. They must be part of a coherent international effort that prioritizes prevention, strengthens partnership, and upholds the principles of the UN Charter. Political divisions within this Council also undermine missions, while funding shortfalls weaken credibility. In a time of fragmented and complex conflicts, it is vital that peace operations remain effective, legitimate, and responsive to today's realities. We see three priorities. First, prevention and peace building. Missions should be integrated into broader strategies that link peacekeeping, mediation, and sustainable development in close partnership with regional organizations. Technology and innovation. Tools for early warning and data analysis can enhance effectiveness, provided they respect international law and human rights. And third, inclusive participation. Women, youth, and local communities must be at the center of peace efforts. The Women, Peace, and Security agenda is essential to mission success. Albania has long attached great importance to contributing to international peace. Since 1996, more than 9,000 Albanian personnel have served in peace operations worldwide. Today, around 300 troops are deployed across eight international missions under the auspices of the United Nations, NATO, the European Union, and in cooperation with our strategic partners. Distinguished delegates, the Pact for the Future, UN80, as well as the Ministerial Meeting on Peacekeeping held this May in Berlin, provide valuable guidance for strengthening peace operations. We believe future missions must be more agile, flexible, and responsive to fast-changing conflict dynamics. Rather than relying on supply-driven, template-based approaches, missions should be designed through demand-driven planning rooted in deep strategic analysis. In this context, the continued presence of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, with 374 personnel, constitute, in our view, an unnecessary duplication for both the security and development perspective. Kosovo has demonstrated steady progress in stability, democratization, rule of law, governance, and economy growth. A gradual closure of UNMIG would therefore present a pragmatic and forward-looking approach, one that reflects realities on the ground, avoids redundancy, and aligns with the broader imperative of UN reform. UNMIG illustrates the importance of ensuring that mandates are clear, realistic, adaptable, and accompanied by an exit strategy. the UN and all stakeholders engage in the review of UN peace operations to take these realities into account and work towards the mission's gradual closure. Albania is committed to working with all Council members to ensure that peace operations are agile, legitimate, and effective in addressing today's and tomorrow's challenges. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Albania for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of United Arab Emirates.

Mr. President, I would like to thank the Republic of Korea for organizing this meeting, and I would like to thank the briefers for their valuable briefings yesterday. At the outset, the United Arab Emirates condemns in the strongest words the Israeli blatant attack on Qatar yesterday. This is a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of Qatar and an attack on the international law and the UN Charter. Mr. President, peacekeeping remains a key pillar in the work of the UN. It is a symbol of multilateral cooperation and reflects the common objectives to maintain international peace and security. Eight years after the establishment of the UN, it's more than ever now the need to maintain peace and develop peace operations to face the current realities. We will focus on four points. First, increase the effectiveness of peace operations by drawing flexible, precise, and adaptive peace mandates. And we should have mechanisms of monitoring to ensure the full implementation of these mandates within the time frame. This is consistent with UN80. It is a crucial step to ensure the optimal use of resources and optimize the impact on the ground. Second, peace operations should be seen as a key pillar within the sustainable peace that includes conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding. Here, I would like to refer to Security Council Resolution 2286 of on reconciliation, peace, and security. It stressed this approach as it connected these phases to ensure the success of peace operations. We would like to seize this opportunity to express our appreciation to the Department of Peace Operations, and we stress that efforts should continue to implement the mandates and ensure they are consistent with the broader system of sustainable peace. Third. Comprehensive initiatives for capacity building should be enhanced either through programs or using developing technologies like AI, which will ensure the success of these operations and maximize their impact. We are hosting initiatives. like the heads of police components in peace operations. We have organized this for four years, and the upcoming one will be held in October. Such initiatives build the capacities of those working in peace operations and ensure more sustainable results. Fourth, effective strategies cannot be found without the engagement of local communities, including women and youth, as key participants in peace operations. The initiative of Sheikha Fatima **** Mubarak for Peace and Security, launched in cooperation with UN Women, is an example of that. This initiative trained many female workers in peace operations. In conclusion, the UAE stresses that the continued reform of peace operations is an investment in a more safe and secure future. UAE reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts to enhance peace operations and ensure they are consistent with efforts of security and development. Thank you, Mr. Development and Security. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, the Arab Emirates, for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of El Salvador.

Thank you very much, President. El Salvador is grateful for this opportunity to contribute to a debate that is critical for us to collectively strengthen peacekeeping operations. Today, more than ever before, these operations are facing a complex environment. This Council, which is often divided, there are also major financial restrictions and legitimate questions about the effectiveness of our work on the ground. We need to respond, therefore, to these questions with shared responsibility and vision. President, I would like to take this opportunity to convey my country's views on the review of the future of all UN peacekeeping operations. First of all, we need to ensure clear, realistic mandates with viable political strategies and sustainable resources. We need to close the gap between mandates and operational capacities, and that is a responsibility that we all have. Secondly, We need to strengthen the security and protection of peace personnel. We are deeply concerned by the alarming increase in attacks on the personnel deployed on the ground. These acts, which may be war crimes, need to be punished in line with the Security Council's resolutions. Third, we need to consolidate key capacities on the ground and also at headquarters. supporting political processes, human rights, the protection of civilians, gender, and combating disinformation inter alia. These functions are not just complementary, they are essential for missions to be successful. Four, we need to deepen the link between peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding. El Salvador acknowledges the fundamental role that the Peacebuilding Commission has played, particularly through its advice, its ability to provide advice, its convoking power, and its ability to maintain political attention and to mobilize resources in fragile contexts. This link should be integrated from when missions are designed up until their transition. Five, we need to make decisive progress in the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of the peace cycle is not just a normative commitment; it is a condition if there is to be sustainable and legitimate peace as well. Six, we need to make sure that the Secretariat plays a more proactive role by providing the Council with Sincere, realistic, and timely analysis from the planning phase onwards, maintaining periodic impact assessments, and supporting responsible exit strategies as well. These recommendations were already highlighted in previous review processes. We can and we must build on this now. El Salvador is open to considering an independent review as a tool for institutional strengthening. President, my country has actively contributed with military troops and police forces in various UN peacekeeping operations. We have done this with an unwavering commitment, with a spirit of responsibility, and with the belief that all countries, regardless of their size, can contribute to international peace and security. We reiterate our determination to contribute substantively to this collective effort. We have presented our written contributions to the review process as well, and we hope to continue participating actively in this dialogue, which is so necessary for the future of multilateralism and also its credibility. Thank you.

I thank the representative of El Salvador for the statement. I now give the floor to Mr. Sharineh Alam Harifor, Permanent Observer of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, IGAD.

Mr. President, at the outset, allow me to congratulate the Republic of Korea on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month, and thank you for convening this important debate. IGAD also wishes to express appreciation to the briefers and expect for their insightful contribution, which provide an invaluable foundation for our discussion today. Mr. President, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this debate. Peace operations have long stood as one of the United Nations' most visible and critical instruments for the maintenance of international peace and security. Resolutions such as 1325 of 2000 on women, Peace and Security, 2330 of 2016, and 2719 of 2023, on cooperation and financing of African-led operations, and the annual report of the C-34 Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations have provided a strong normative basis for collective action. Yet, we must acknowledge that despite this framework, gaps persist between mandates and realities. Peace operations have sometimes deployed with insufficient resources and clear exit strategies, or without adequate coordination with regional actors who are most familiar with the dynamics on the ground. This undermines not only efficiency, but also credibility among very community we strive to serve. Mr. President, for IGAD, these issues are paramount for the future of operations. First, partnership and subsidiarity. Chapter 5 of the UN Charter entrusts regional organizations with centers in peace and security. IGAD works with South Sudan mediation, support the peace process in Sudan, and our longstanding involvement in Somalia demonstrate our capacity to act swiftly with cultural legitimacy. When the UN, African Union, and IGAD work in concert, peace operations gain context-specific strength and enhanced legitimacy. Second, mandate that prioritizes political solutions. Experience from Somalia, South Sudan, and elsewhere in our region has shown that military deployments alone cannot guarantee peace. Operations must be closely linked to inclusive political dialogue, institution building, and development. Through the IGAD Youth Peace and Security Agenda, including initiatives in fragile border communities such as Moyale, we have seen how empowering youth and women strengthens resilience and builds the social fabric essential for sustaining peace. Third, sustainable financing. The Council has repeatedly recognized, including in resolution 2320 of 2016 and resolution 2719 of 2023, that African-led operations require predictable and sustainable financing. IGAD stresses that unless financing is secured and predictable, regional operations will remain constrained in responding swiftly and effectively to crisis. IGAD member states have consistently contributed to UN peace operations, from UNMIS and UNISFA to ATMIS, often at great human cost. Our region continues to shoulder the burden of hosting millions of refugees and displaced persons, while striving to stabilize societies emerging from conflict. This contribution must be matched with stronger collaborations. joint planning and recognition of the comparative advantage that EGAD brings. In this regard, EGAD calls upon the Security Council to ensure that mandates are realistic, prioritized, and designed in consultation with regional organizations. Reinforce triangular partnership between UN, AU, and EGAD, grounded in mutual accountability. guarantee predictable financing for African-led operations in line with the principle of shared responsibility, and place prevention, inclusion, and resilience at the heart of all peace operations. Excellencies, the future of peace operations will be judged not only by how they manage conflict, but by how they leave behind sustainable peace. IGAD stands ready to ensure that peace operations involve truly effective, legitimacy, and sustainable instrument of peace. And I thank you.

I thank Mr. Sharinel Alam Harif for the statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.